In a significant blow to illegal drug activities in the region, operatives from the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6) successfully conducted a buy-bust operation in Barangay Lanit, Jaro District, Iloilo City, resulting in the arrest of two high-value individuals and the seizure of approximately 85 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of P578,000. The operation took place at 6:15 p.m. on Monday, March 9, 2026, marking a critical step in the ongoing campaign against narcotics.
Details of the Arrest and Seizure
The arrested suspects were identified by their aliases as Sherwin, a 44-year-old butcher, and Jemar, a 39-year-old married construction worker, both residents of Barangay Lanit. Authorities classified them as high-value individuals under the intensified anti-illegal drug campaign, highlighting their significance in the local drug trade. During the operation, police recovered eight transparent plastic sachets containing the shabu, along with marked buy-bust money and other non-drug evidence, which will be used in the legal proceedings.
Collaborative Police Efforts
The operation was a coordinated effort led by the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) through its City Drug Enforcement Unit, with support from multiple specialized teams. These included the Regional Intelligence Unit in Western Visayas, the ICPO Special Weapons and Tactics team, the Regional Police Security Battalion Lanit team, and the Iloilo City Police Station 3 Station Drug Enforcement Team. This multi-unit collaboration underscores the comprehensive approach taken by law enforcement to dismantle drug networks in the area.
Statements from Police Leadership
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, the director of PRO 6, emphasized the success of the operation as a testament to the dedication and cooperation among police units. He stated, "This successful operation reflects the dedication of our operatives and the strong cooperation among our units in the relentless campaign against illegal drugs. We will continue to intensify our operations to ensure that communities remain safe from the harmful effects of illegal drugs." Ligan further highlighted that the arrest demonstrates the ongoing commitment to pursuing drug personalities and urged the public to remain vigilant by reporting suspicious activities to authorities.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Following the arrest, the suspects were taken into the custody of the Iloilo City Police Station 3, where authorities are preparing to file criminal charges against them. They will face charges for violation of Section 5 in relation to Section 26 and Section 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. This legal action aims to hold them accountable for their alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade, with the potential for severe penalties under Philippine law.
Impact on Community Safety
The seizure of such a substantial quantity of shabu—valued at over half a million pesos—is expected to disrupt local drug supply chains and enhance public safety in Western Visayas. By targeting high-value individuals, police aim to dismantle key nodes in the drug distribution network, thereby reducing the availability of illegal substances in communities. This operation aligns with broader national efforts to combat drug-related crimes and protect citizens from the associated social and health risks.
As the investigation continues, authorities remain focused on building a strong case against the suspects while encouraging community cooperation. The public is reminded to support law enforcement initiatives by providing timely information, which can help prevent future illegal activities and foster a safer environment for all residents in the region.
